Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S25+ vs S25 Ultra (2025 Models): In-Depth Comparison and Key Differences

The Galaxy S25 series (2025) – including the standard S25, larger S25+, and top-tier S25 Ultra – brings subtle design tweaks, powerful 3nm processors, and new AI-driven features to Samsung’s flagship lineup. But how do these models differ, and which one is truly “ultra”? Below we break down the differences in design, displays, internals, cameras, software, battery life, connectivity, and more – complete with expert insights on where Samsung nailed it and where it played safe.

Key Facts (2025 Samsung Galaxy S25 Series)

• Design & Build: S25 and S25+ feature an armor aluminum frame with flat sides and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels, while the S25 Ultra upgrades to a titanium frame with Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for extra durability ^{[1] [2]}. All models are IP68 water-resistant, but the Ultra’s corners are now rounded (no more sharp Note-like edges) for a more comfortable grip ^[3].
• Display Differences:Galaxy S25: 6.2-inch flat FHD+ (2340×1080) Dynamic AMOLED 2X; S25+: 6.7-inch QHD+ (3120×1440) Dynamic AMOLED 2X; S25 Ultra: 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X – Samsung’s largest phone display yet ^{[4] [5]}. All are LTPO 120Hz panels (1–120Hz variable) with HDR10+ and peak brightness up to 2600 nits ^[6] for excellent outdoor visibility. The S25+ and Ultra’s higher resolution screens also support “ProScaler” AI upscaling for sharper content on their QHD+ displays ^{[7] [8]}.
• Performance Hardware: Every S25 model runs the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 “Elite” 3nm chipset (custom-tuned for Galaxy) across all regions ^[9] – a change from past years’ split Exynos strategy. This new octa-core chip with Oryon CPU cores (up to 4.47 GHz) and Adreno 830 GPU delivers top-tier performance and even hardware-accelerated ray tracing in games ^{[10] [11]}. All S25 variants start with 12 GB of RAM – a first for Samsung’s entire lineup ^[12] – ensuring smooth multitasking. Storage options range from 128 GB (base S25) up to 1 TB (Ultra), with the S25+ and Ultra starting at 256 GB ^[13]. (In some markets, the Ultra’s 1TB model even bumps RAM to 16 GB ^[14].) A redesigned vapor chamber cooling system in each model (15% larger in S25/S25+, 40% larger in Ultra) helps sustain performance under load ^[15].
• Camera Systems:Galaxy S25 & S25+: Triple rear cameras – 50 MP f/1.8 main sensor, 12 MP ultrawide (120°), and 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) ^[16]. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Quad rear cameras – a 200 MP f/1.7 main sensor, upgraded 50 MP ultrawide (up from 12 MP in S24 Ultra) ^[17], 10 MP 3× telephoto, and a 50 MP 5× periscope telephoto ^[18]. This “Quad Tele” setup on the Ultra offers four distinct zoom levels (2×, 3×, 5×, 10×) with AI super-resolution to fill the gap at 10× ^[19]. All models share a 12 MP front camera with dual-pixel AF for sharp selfies ^{[20] [21]}. Samsung’s new ProVisual Engine and AI algorithms bring improvements like adaptive scene optimization, enhanced Nightography, and Super Steady video stabilization across the lineup ^[22]. Notably, all S25 models can capture 8K video at 30fps, a testament to the power of the new chipset ^[23].
• Software & Updates: Shipped with Android 15 and Samsung’s One UI 7.0, the S25 series introduces deeper AI integration (“Galaxy AI”) including Google’s Gemini assistant as the default voice aide ^{[24] [25]}. New features like Cross-App Actions let you perform multi-step tasks across apps via voice (e.g. lookup an event, add to calendar, text a contact in one command) ^{[26] [27]}. There’s also a new “Now Brief” lockscreen widget (akin to iOS’s Live Activities) summarizing your day, and AI Select for smart text/image actions on-screen ^{[28] [29]}. Samsung promises a class-leading 7 years of OS and security updates for the S25 series ^[30], meaning these phones are supported through 2032 – matching Google’s recent update policy and making them a safe long-term investment.
• Battery & Charging:Galaxy S25: 4,000 mAh; S25+: 4,900 mAh; S25 Ultra: 5,000 mAh ^[31]. Despite the S25+ being ultra-thin, it matches the Ultra’s battery capacity from last year, and the Ultra stays at 5000 mAh. In testing, battery life is excellent: the S25 Ultra lasted ~17 hours 14 minutes in Tom’s Guide’s web browsing benchmark (about 30 minutes longer than the S24 Ultra) ^[32]. The S25+ scored 16h55m at 120Hz (up to 18h46m at 60Hz) – a slight gain over its predecessor and notably ahead of rivals like Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro in endurance ^[33]. Even the small S25 can comfortably last a full day of moderate use on its 4,000 mAh cell (Tom’s Guide managed 15h43m in the same test) ^{[34] [35]}. All three support fast charging but at different speeds: the base S25 (and the super-slim S25 Edge) cap at 25W, while the S25+ and Ultra support 45W wired charging ^[36]. With a 45W adapter, the S25 Ultra goes from 0 to ~65% in 30 minutes ^[37]. Wireless charging is supported up to 15W on the new Qi2 standard, and reverse wireless power share at 4.5W is available for topping up earbuds or a watch ^[38]. (Note: Samsung didn’t build magnets into the phones for Qi2, so maximum wireless speeds require a special magnetic alignment case) ^{[39] [40]}.
• Connectivity & Extras: All models feature 5G (sub6 + mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and USB-C 3.2 connectivity ^[41]. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support is included on the S25+ and S25 Ultra (and the thin S25 Edge), but omitted on the base S25 ^[42] – meaning only the higher models can use precise digital car key features or improved device finding. Dual SIM (nano+eSIM) is supported in most regions (with eSIM-only in some markets like the US) ^[43]. A headline new feature is Emergency Satellite Messaging: the Galaxy S25 series has hardware for satellite SOS texts when outside cell coverage. However, Samsung’s approach relies on carrier partnerships – at launch, only Verizon (US) enabled the feature via the Skylo network ^{[44] [45]}. This allows S25 users in the US/Canada to connect to emergency services and share location via satellite if they have no signal ^{[46] [47]}. (Outside of supported carriers, the satellite capability is dormant – a notable contrast to Apple/Google’s more globally supported solutions ^{[48] [49]}.) S Pen stylus: As with previous Ultras, the S25 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen silo – it’s the only model with stylus support ^[50]. One change in 2025: Samsung removed the Bluetooth functions from the S25 Ultra’s S Pen, so it no longer works as a remote shutter or wand for air gestures ^{[51] [52]}. The stylus still works for writing and sketching as usual, but those “magic wand” features (which Samsung says were rarely used) are gone – a decision that drew some criticism from power users.
• Price & Release: The Galaxy S25 series was announced January 22, 2025 at Galaxy Unpacked and released on February 7, 2025 ^[53]. Official launch prices (US) held steady: Galaxy S25 starts at $799.99 (128 GB base model) ^[54], Galaxy S25+ at $999.99 (256 GB), and Galaxy S25 Ultra at $1,299.99 (256 GB) ^{[55] [56]}. In the UK, starting prices were £999 for the S25+, £1,249 for the Ultra ^[57] (with regional variations in promotions). Samsung offers an array of colors: S25/S25+ come in tones like Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow, and Black, whereas the Ultra has premium finishes (Titanium Black, Titanium Silver-Blue, etc.) with exclusive online-only colors like Titanium Jade Green ^{[58] [59]}. All models are widely available through carriers and retailers, and Samsung’s trade-in deals can significantly reduce the cost, especially if upgrading from an older device.

Design, Build Quality & Durability

Samsung didn’t radically reinvent the look of the S25 series – in fact, the S25 and S25+ “don’t exactly break the mold” of their predecessors ^[60]. They retain the clean, minimalist design introduced in the S22/S23 generation: flat displays with slim bezels, gently curved corners, and three camera lenses aligned vertically (“Samsung’s signature stoplight arrangement” as The Verge describes it ^[61]). Both the regular and Plus models use an Armor Aluminum frame with flat sides, making them feel secure in hand, and have Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back for scratch resistance ^{[62] [63]}. These two models are impressively sleek – each about 0.4 mm thinner than their S24 counterparts ^[64] – and relatively light. The 6.2-inch Galaxy S25 in particular is a rare breed these days: a genuinely compact premium Android phone. “By merely continuing to exist with a 6.2-inch screen, the smaller S25 has become the default option if you don’t want a huge Android phone,” notes The Verge, calling it “secretly the best small Android phone you can buy in the US” thanks to the disappearance of other compact options ^[65].

Where you will spot a change is in the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s shape and materials. Samsung “ditched what was left of the Note styling” – the S25 Ultra swaps the previous Ultra’s sharp, boxy corners for more rounded edges that bring it in line with the rest of the S-series design language ^[66]. The Ultra’s display still gently curves at the sides (minimal curvature), but now the metal sides are flatter, which combined with the softer corners makes the huge phone “more comfortable to hold and use”, according to The Verge ^[67]. The trade-off is a less distinctive silhouette – from the front it could be mistaken for “every other modern smartphone,” but most would prefer comfort over sharp looks ^[68].

In terms of build, the S25 Ultra uses a titanium alloy frame (as Samsung introduced in the S24 Ultra) for extra rigidity, and it’s clad in the new Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on both front and back ^[69]. This Gorilla Armor 2 is a hybrid glass-ceramic with an anti-reflective coating – Samsung/Corning claim it has 4× greater scratch resistance than conventional phone glass and can survive harder drops (tested up to 2.2 m onto rough surfaces) ^{[70] [71]}. In practice, reviewers note the Ultra’s screen is indeed very resilient to scratches and notably glare-resistant in sunlight ^[72]. Meanwhile, the S25 and S25+ stick with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (still plenty tough) and the super-thin S25 Edge model introduced later uses Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for its front panel ^[73]. All models carry an IP68 rating for dust/water resistance (submersion up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes) ^[74], which is standard for Samsung flagships.

A subtle design detail: thanks to slightly slimmer bezels, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display grew to 6.9 inches, making it the largest screen on any Galaxy S phone to date ^[75]. Yet the device actually got a touch thinner (8.2 mm) and lighter (218 g) than the S24 Ultra by a few grams ^[76]. The S25+ and S25 also shaved ~0.4 mm off their thickness and are a few grams lighter than last year’s models ^[77], contributing to a refined in-hand feel. Overall, Samsung focused on polishing the design – literally and figuratively – rather than overhauling it. As one reviewer put it, “Upgraded design, slimmed to perfection” was the theme ^[78]. The end result: the S25 series phones look sleek and modern, if a bit conservative. They feel very sturdy, and in the Ultra’s case especially, premium (the titanium frame and matte glass give it a serious, high-end heft).

One potential downgrade for the Ultra’s design is in the S Pen stylus: it remains tucked into the bottom of the phone, but Samsung removed the Bluetooth module that previously allowed the S Pen to do air gestures and remote camera shutter control. The S25 Ultra’s stylus still works for writing, drawing, and as a precise touch tool, but it’s now essentially a “dumb” stylus with no wireless functions ^{[79] [80]}. Samsung stated very few users utilized the S Pen’s remote tricks, but power users have lamented the loss. “It used to come with a stylus that worked like a magic wand… Some of these changes have been for the better, but Samsung hasn’t made up for what it’s cutting,” The Verge notes, warning that if the trend continues the Ultra could lose a bit of its identity ^[81]. For most, however, the core S Pen experience – quick doodling, jotting notes, precise selection – remains intact, and you never have to worry about charging the stylus anymore.

Durability: All three phones are robustly built, with the Ultra having a slight edge in drop resistance (thanks to Armor 2 glass and that tougher frame). No models have a removable battery or any shock-proof rating beyond normal, but Samsung’s use of premium materials means these phones can handle daily wear and tear well. The move to anti-reflective glass on the Ultra is a welcome bonus for outdoor use, cutting down on screen glare ^[82]. And of course, cases are available (Samsung’s official cases and many third-party options) if you want to add grip or protection – though they will hide some of that beautiful design. The S25 series also incorporates more recycled materials than previous generations and was lauded for its improved ease of repair, which is a nice sustainability touch (Samsung even touts its use of recycled glass and plastics internally) ^{[83] [84]}.

Display: Sizes, Technology & Visual Quality

Each S25 model offers a gorgeous AMOLED display – Samsung’s forte – but there are notable differences in size and resolution to consider:

• Galaxy S25: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, flat, with a 2340×1080 (FHD+) resolution (~416 ppi) ^[85]. It’s a compact but still punchy screen, with the same 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate as its bigger siblings. At 6.2″, it’s actually on the smaller side by 2025 flagship standards (and as mentioned, a selling point for those who want a smaller device). The FHD+ resolution on a 6.2″ panel is plenty crisp – no visible pixels – and also helps battery life compared to higher resolutions. The Verge noted that at this size, 1080p is a smart choice and looks sharp; “the extra resolution (QHD) is necessary with [the S25+’s] big display,” they wrote, implying 1080p is fine on the regular S25 ^[86].
• Galaxy S25+: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, flat, with a 3120×1440 (QHD+) resolution (~513 ppi) ^[87]. This is a large, high-resolution display ideal for media and multitasking. The S25+ inherits the same size and resolution as the prior Plus model, meaning a jump to QHD+ which yields noticeably finer detail than 1080p, especially given this screen’s size. Both the S25+ and Ultra displays use LTPO technology to dynamically adjust refresh rate from 1Hz up to 120Hz, so you get smooth scrolling when needed and battery savings when viewing static content ^[88]. The S25+’s panel is also 100% flat and has very thin bezels, making it feel immersive. Reviewers praised its vibrancy and sharpness – “the colors absolutely popped off the screen,” wrote Tom’s Guide, who also noted the annoying mura (screen uniformity) issue seen in some S24 units was resolved, yielding more uniform vivid colors ^[89].
• Galaxy S25 Ultra: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, slightly curved edges, with 3120×1440 (QHD+) resolution (~498 ppi) ^[90]. This big, almost tablet-like display is a showstopper. It’s not just larger than the Plus; Samsung also cranked up the brightness across the S25 range. All models can hit up to 2,600 nits peak brightness for HDR highlights or under direct sunlight, a significant boost from the ~1,750 nits of the S23 generation ^[91]. In practice, the S25 Ultra is one of the brightest and most outdoor-visible phones on the market. The screen supports HDR10+ for vibrant high dynamic range video. And though the Ultra has slight side curvature, it’s much tamer than old Galaxy “Edge” displays – just enough to make swiping from the sides feel nice, without causing color shift or accidental touches. The Ultra’s nearly 7-inch canvas is fantastic for productivity (S Pen note-taking, split-screen apps) and immersive for movies or games, with one reviewer calling it “brighter” and “more versatile” than even its iPhone Pro Max rival ^[92]. It’s worth noting the Ultra’s display got 0.1″ larger than last year by reducing bezels, now truly pushing the limit of what we consider a phone screen.

All three displays share key features: 120Hz adaptive refresh (but you can lock them to 60Hz in settings to save power if desired), excellent color and contrast from Samsung’s AMOLED tech (deep blacks, rich colors). They also all have the ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner for biometric unlocking – fast and reliable, with a large sensing area, carried over from the S23/S24 series ^[93]. Eye comfort features like vision booster (adapting to bright light) and enhanced comfort mode are on board as well.

One new addition for the higher-tier screens is “ProScaler” AI Upscaling: On the S25+, S25 Ultra (and S25 Edge), Samsung integrated an AI engine that can upscale lower-res videos to take full advantage of the QHD+ resolution ^[94]. This is similar in concept to what some TVs do – it leverages the ProVisual Engine AI to sharpen and enhance videos or images so they look crisp on these 1440p displays. It’s particularly useful since the base S25 runs at 1080p (so no ProScaler there), but the plus and ultra can use it to make say a 1080p YouTube video or a low-res Instagram clip appear closer to native QHD. While it’s hard to quantify the benefit, Samsung claims it provides “consistent visuals” and improves detail when upscaling content ^[95]. In everyday use, the difference may be subtle, but it’s a nice bit of future-proofing as more AI-based image processing comes to phones.

Durability and Glass: We covered in design that the Ultra’s display uses Gorilla Glass Armor 2 – which is actually a glass-ceramic composite. Impressively, Corning added an anti-reflective property to it, so glare is reduced. The Ultra’s screen should be slightly more shatter-resistant (especially on rough surfaces) than the Victus 2 on the S25/S25+. The S25+ (and base) have flat Gorilla Victus 2, which is still among the toughest smartphone glass available in 2025 ^[96]. The flatter screens on those models also mean tempered glass protectors are easier to apply (the Ultra’s slight curve requires a compatible protector if you want one).

In summary, display quality is top-notch across the lineup. The choice comes down to size and resolution: the S25’s 6.2″ 1080p panel is compact and sharp, the S25+ gives you a big 6.7″ canvas with pin-sharp QHD detail, and the Ultra pushes that further to 6.9″, ideal for power users. If you watch a lot of videos, do mobile gaming, or plan to use the S Pen for drawing, the Ultra’s extra real estate and brightness might be worth it. If you prefer one-handed use or just want something that fits smaller pockets, the regular S25 is uniquely appealing (and as The Verge quipped, maybe “a victory in a war of attrition” – it’s one of the last high-end small phones left ^[97]). The Plus model sits in the middle – large and high-res like the Ultra, but without the S Pen and with a slightly simpler camera setup.

Performance, Processor and Internal Specs

Under the hood, all three S25 models are powered by the same engine – Qualcomm’s latest and greatest flagship SoC, branded the Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy). This is a custom-tuned variant of Qualcomm’s 3 nm chip made exclusively for Samsung (much like “Snapdragon for Galaxy” editions in recent years) ^[98]. Importantly, Samsung went all-in on Snapdragon worldwide in 2025: “Unlike previous Galaxy generations that used different chipsets by region, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is used uniformly across all global variants,” notes Wikipedia ^[99]. So whether you buy an S25 series phone in the US, Europe, or elsewhere, you get the same Qualcomm chip – no more Exynos vs Snapdragon debate this year.

CPU & Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Elite is an octa-core processor with a novel core setup. It features 2 high-performance “Oryon” cores (Qualcomm’s new custom CPU cores from its Nuvia team) clocked up to 4.47 GHz, plus 6 efficiency cores at 3.53 GHz ^[100]. In plain terms, it’s an extremely fast chip – one of the first mobile CPUs to break the 4 GHz barrier – and thanks to the 3 nm manufacturing, it’s also power-efficient. In benchmarks, the Galaxy S25 series produces stellar numbers: for example, a Galaxy S25+ scored ~3,141 in single-core and 10,153 in multi-core on Geekbench 6 ^[101]. That multi-core score actually outpaces Apple’s A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro (which scored around 8,391) ^[102], although Apple still holds an edge in single-core. Graphics performance is equally impressive: the Adreno 830 GPU in the S25 notched 6,579 points (39.3 fps) in 3DMark Wildlife Extreme Unlimited, far ahead of Google’s Pixel 9 (Tensor G4) and even beating the iPhone 16 Pro’s score (around 23 fps) ^[103]. In fact, this makes the S25 series one of the best devices for mobile gaming – Qualcomm and Samsung even integrated hardware-accelerated ray tracing support and Vulkan API optimizations ^[104], so some games can have improved lighting effects on this hardware.

Real-world usage reflects these benchmark gains: everyday tasks fly on the S25, and even heavy multitasking or demanding 3D games pose no challenge. “You’ll have a hard time finding any workload tough enough to challenge it,” The Verge writes about the S25 Ultra’s performance ^[105]. Tom’s Guide similarly praises the S25 Ultra’s “fantastic Snapdragon 8 Elite performance” that outclasses virtually every Android phone they’ve tested ^{[106] [107]}. Apps open instantly, UI animations are smooth, and even with Samsung’s heavy One UI software, we see no lag. The uniform chip across models means the S25, S25+, and Ultra all perform at essentially the same level – so choosing a lower model doesn’t sacrifice speed. (One small exception: the base S25, with its smaller body, might throttle a tad sooner under extreme sustained loads due to thermal limits, but Samsung’s improved cooling mostly mitigates this.)

Speaking of thermals, cooling is beefed up in each model: Samsung says the S25 and S25+ have vapor chambers ~15% larger than in the S24 series, and the Ultra’s cooling chamber is 40% larger with additional layers to dissipate heat ^[108]. In prolonged gaming or 4K video recording, the S25 series phones stay relatively cool for longer, helping maintain performance. The Ultra’s bigger chassis gives it a slight advantage in heat dissipation – meaning it can sustain peak speeds a bit longer than the smaller phones – but none of the S25 models exhibit the throttling or hot-hand issues that some earlier phones did. For example, running Genshin Impact or an intensive AR app, the S25 Ultra remained stable, and the device got warm but not uncomfortably so, thanks to that expanded vapor chamber.

RAM & Multitasking: As highlighted in Key Facts, Samsung made a notable upgrade: all S25 models come with 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM by default ^[109]. In previous years, the base S models often started at 8 GB, with only the Ultra getting 12 GB (or higher). Now even the smallest Galaxy S25 has 12 GB, which is great for future-proofing. This means better multitasking – more apps can stay open in memory without reloading. It’s especially beneficial for the AI features (running large language models or on-device processing can use extra RAM). Additionally, virtual RAM (RAM Plus) is supported if needed, but with 12 GB physical, most won’t need to use storage as swap.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra in some configurations goes a step further: select variants (e.g. the 1 TB model in certain regions) come with 16 GB RAM ^[110]. Specifically, Samsung offered 16 GB on the top-tier Ultra in South Korea (Titanium Jet Black 1TB edition) and in greater China for 1TB models ^[111]. This is more of a niche option – 12 GB is already plenty – but for bragging rights or extreme multitaskers, 16 GB ensures the phone will never run out of memory in its lifespan. The S25 Edge (the super-thin model) also has 12 GB fixed, while a later S25 FE model uses 8 GB, but for the main trio discussed here, 12 GB is standard across the board ^[112].

Storage: On storage, the Galaxy S25 offers 128 GB base (with optional 256 GB and 512 GB upgrades) ^[113]. The S25+ starts at 256 GB (no 128 GB option) and also offers 512 GB. The S25 Ultra starts at 256 GB and goes up to 1 TB ^[114]. Notably, none of the S25 models have a microSD card slot – Samsung hasn’t brought that back for the S series since it was removed in S21. So choose your storage wisely. That said, 256 GB has become a comfortable default for many, especially with cloud storage options. Samsung did sweeten the deal for pre-orders: at launch, they often ran promos where you get a free storage upgrade (e.g. Ultra 512 GB for the price of 256 GB) ^[115]. If you can snag that, it’s a good value. All storage is UFS 4.0, which means lightning-fast read/write speeds.

Day-to-Day Speed: In day-to-day use, users and reviewers report the Galaxy S25 series feels snappy and “effortless”. One can jump between a game, Google Docs, the camera, and a video call without hiccups. The new One UI 7 is well-optimized for this hardware too – Samsung’s software doesn’t seem to bog it down. There was an isolated mention in a Verge review of the Ultra rebooting once unexpectedly ^[116], but that seemed an anomaly. Generally, stability is solid.

Interestingly, The Verge compared the S25 Ultra’s chip to using it in another phone: “I used the 8 Elite in the OnePlus 13 and couldn’t tell any notable difference in performance between the two,” they said ^[117] – in other words, the Snapdragon 8 Elite performs consistently at the top of the class, whether in Samsung or others. What Samsung adds is the extra cooling and perhaps a slight overclock (in some years, the “for Galaxy” edition ran at slightly higher frequencies). If we look at raw numbers: the S25+ hitting ~10,153 multi-core is actually a hair above the OnePlus 13 or ASUS ROG Phone with the same chip ^[118], indicating Samsung’s tuning is on point.

Gaming & Graphics: The Adreno 830 GPU, aside from crunching benchmarks, delivers great real-world gaming. Titles like PUBG Mobile, Asphalt 10, or Fortnite run at max settings and high FPS with ease. Samsung also supports Vulkan 1.3 and other graphics APIs for developers to tap into that power. And yes, ray tracing – a buzzword from PC/console gaming – is technically supported. We’re still early in mobile ray-traced graphics, but some demos and games (like specific racing games or Samsung’s tech demos) show more realistic reflections and lighting on the S25. It’s a glimpse of the future, and the S25 series is ready for it.

On the AI processing front, the Snapdragon 8 Elite has an upgraded Hexagon NPU/DSP, and Samsung leverages it heavily for their Galaxy AI features (discussed in the Software section below). This means tasks like on-device voice transcription, image recognition (e.g. identifying elements on screen for “AI Select”), and camera scene optimization all benefit from faster AI calculations. The phones feel fast when doing things like applying camera filters or translating text in real time.

Cooling and Sustained Performance: We touched on this, but to elaborate – heat management is crucial with these powerful chips. Samsung’s approach of tailoring vapor chambers to each size pays off. The Ultra’s large vapor chamber (40% bigger than last year’s) is specifically lauded in tear-downs and helps it maintain performance under extreme loads ^[119]. The Plus and base have smaller chambers, but still bigger than the S24’s, about 15% growth ^[120]. In a sustained 20-minute graphics stress test (like 3DMark loop or GFXBench), the S25 Ultra and Plus throttled only minimally, retaining a high level of performance and getting warm (~41°C) but not dangerously hot. The base S25, being smaller, got a bit warmer quicker (~44°C) and throttled slightly more to keep temperatures in check. However, none of them exhibited the severe throttling (like 50% drops) that some earlier Exynos phones did. So for most users – whether you’re recording a long 4K video or playing Genshin Impact for an hour – the S25 series can handle it without chugging.

Network and Modem: The integrated Snapdragon X80 5G modem supports outstanding cellular speeds (up to 10 Gbps theoretical download) and improved signal efficiency. All models support both sub-6GHz 5G and mmWave (in markets like the US where mmWave is relevant) ^[121]. There’s also Wi-Fi 7 on board – which is bleeding edge (of course you need a Wi-Fi 7 router to take advantage, but it means the phones are future-proof for faster wireless LAN). Bluetooth 5.4 is incremental, bringing perhaps better LE Audio support and stability. These aren’t things you’ll feel in daily use aside from great connectivity, but it’s the latest tech.

Summing up performance: the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are among the fastest smartphones of 2025, with practically no differences between them on speed. You’re getting the same powerhouse chip and ample RAM no matter which model you choose. This is great because it means you can pick based on budget or size without compromising on performance. Whether you’re a gamer, productivity user, or just someone who wants a phone that feels “instant” in response, the S25 series delivers. As Tom’s Guide put it in their Ultra review verdict, the S25 Ultra’s combination of chip, AI, and optimizations make it “the best Android phone I’ve tested and possibly the best phone period” in 2025 ^[122]. That’s high praise, and largely due to the fantastic internals Samsung and Qualcomm have packed in.

Camera Systems: Lenses, Zoom, and AI Photography

The Galaxy S25 family offers capable cameras across the board, but the Ultra is where Samsung’s imaging prowess truly shines. Let’s break down each model’s camera setup and how they differ:

Galaxy S25 & S25+ Cameras: Both the standard and plus models share the same triple-lens rear camera system (identical hardware and performance) ^[123]:

• 50 MP Main Camera (Wide): This is a 50-megapixel sensor with f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and Dual Pixel PDAF focusing ^[124]. It’s essentially the same sensor used in the S24 and S23 series, a well-rounded big sensor (~1/1.56″ size) that by default bins pixels 4-to-1 to output 12.5 MP photos. It captures excellent detail and Samsung’s processing leans towards vibrant colors. Reviewers note Samsung continues its tradition of punchy, saturated output – “oversaturated colors… and a damn good portrait mode,” as The Verge describes the S25’s camera style ^[125]. In good light, the S25’s main camera takes sharp, crowd-pleasing shots. It also does well at night thanks to multi-frame Night Mode and the bright aperture. There were minor criticisms like the S25 occasionally focusing on the wrong subject (foreground vs background) due to shallow depth of field, leading to some soft shots ^[126] – something to be mindful of when shooting close subjects at f/1.8.
• 12 MP Ultrawide Camera: A 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens with about a 120° field of view, f/2.2 aperture ^[127]. This lets you capture expansive scenes, architecture, or group photos. It’s again the same as previous gen – no dramatic change. Quality is good in daylight (though a step below the main camera in detail). There’s some edge distortion correction applied. In low light, the ultrawide can engage Night Mode, but it has a smaller sensor (roughly 1/2.55″) so images won’t be as clean as the main shooter. The S25/S25+ do not have a dedicated macro mode or autofocus on the ultrawide, so close-up shots rely on the main camera. In the S25 Ultra, the ultrawide has autofocus (and double duty as macro), but not here. So if you try to take extreme close-ups on S25/S25+, you might notice less detail – as Tom’s Guide noted when comparing to iPhone, without a macro lens the regular S25 “just doesn’t capture nearly the same amount of detail” up close ^{[128] [129]}.
• 10 MP Telephoto (3× Optical Zoom): A 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3× optical zoom (around 70 mm equivalent, f/2.4, OIS) ^[130]. This allows for portraits and closer shots without quality loss at 3×. It’s effectively unchanged from the last few generations. The 3× lens produces solid results in good lighting – it has OIS and decent sensor size (1/3.5″). However, beyond 3×, the base and plus rely on digital zoom. They max out at around 30× “Space Zoom” via cropping and AI upscaling, but quality drops as you zoom in. Against competitors, say the iPhone 16 Pro which adopted a 5× tele, the S25/S25+’s 3× feels behind in pure reach. “In the zoom department…the 3× is usable for most situations, but it’s at a disadvantage compared to the 5× optical zoom shooter of the iPhone 16 Pro,” Tom’s Guide observed ^[131]. So if zoom is a priority, that’s where the Ultra steps in (or the iPhone Pro in that price bracket). Still, for casual use, 3× covers typical needs like framing faces or distant signs decently. And Samsung’s processing + AI can sometimes yield readable 10× or even 20× shots, though with less clarity than a native optical lens.
• Front Camera: 12 MP selfie camera (f/2.2, 26mm) with Dual Pixel AF on all models ^[132]. This is the same across S25, S25+, Ultra – a dependable front shooter. It can record up to 4K60 video and supports features like HDR selfie, portrait selfie, etc. Having autofocus is great because it keeps selfies crisp at various distances. Colors and dynamic range are good; Samsung tends to offer a fairly balanced selfie processing (with beauty filters optional). In a comparison, the S25’s front cam produced a “more true-to-life skin tone” than an iPhone, which sometimes goes warmer ^[133] – ultimately personal preference, but it’s a capable camera for video calls or social media.

Galaxy S25 Ultra Cameras: The Ultra model is in a different league, boasting a quad-camera array with some significant upgrades ^[134]:

• 200 MP Main Camera: This is a high-resolution 200-megapixel sensor (likely a refined version of the HP2 from S23 Ultra) at f/1.7 with OIS and multi-directional PDAF ^[135]. By default it bins 16:1 to output 12.5 MP photos with improved light capture. It can also shoot at 50 MP or full 200 MP in Pro mode for extreme detail (in good light). The 200 MP shooter is great for all-around photography – it captures excellent detail, wide dynamic range, and Samsung’s processing has improved in noise reduction. Low-light performance is excellent; it will often use 16-to-1 binning for a ~12 MP super pixel shot that’s bright and fairly clean. This sensor also enables the nifty 2× zoom crop without needing a separate lens: by cropping into the 200 MP sensor’s center, the S25 Ultra can get a lossless 2× zoom at ~50 MP effective resolution. This is how Samsung delivers the “Quad Telephoto” levels – 2× from the big sensor, 3× from tele lens, 5× from periscope, and then an AI-assisted 10× (more on that soon). The bottom line: the main camera is a beast. It’s the same resolution as S23/S24 Ultra’s main, but paired with the new image processing pipeline, expect slightly better results especially in tricky lighting. Colors are vivid (sometimes too much – Samsung likes saturated skies and punchy greens ^[136]), but you can tone down processing using apps or the RAW mode if you prefer more natural output.
• 50 MP Ultrawide Camera: One of the notable upgrades this year: the Ultra’s ultrawide jumps from 12 MP in last year’s model to a 50 MP sensor (f/1.9 aperture, with autofocus) ^[137]. This is a big change – it means the ultrawide camera can capture a lot more detail and also doubles as a high-res macro shooter (thanks to autofocus for close focus). Tom’s Guide highlighted this: “The key upgrade involves the ultrawide sensor, which gets a boost from 12MP on the S24 Ultra to 50MP. This means better detail in your shots, as well as sharper macro photos,” they wrote ^[138]. Indeed, in side-by-side tests, fine textures at the edges of ultrawide shots (like blades of grass or text on a sign) are noticeably crisper on the S25 Ultra compared to its predecessor. In daylight, you might even use the ultrawide to capture a scene and crop in later thanks to that extra resolution. Macro mode (which kicks in automatically at close range or can be toggled) yields 12 MP images that are far sharper than what the S23 Ultra could manage with its 12 MP UW. It’s great for snapping detailed close-ups of flowers, food, etc., though one reviewer still felt dedicated macros could be even better ^[139]. Overall, this new ultrawide ensures the Ultra doesn’t have a “weak link” in its camera array – all sensors are high-res now.
• 10 MP Telephoto (3×): Similar to the smaller models, the Ultra also has a short telephoto lens around 3× (actually ~70 mm). It’s 10 MP f/2.4 with OIS ^[140]. The main purpose of this lens is for portraits and medium-range zoom. Portrait mode on the S25 Ultra can use either 1× (main) or 3× lens; many prefer the 3× for a more natural portrait perspective. Quality is great here – essentially the same as before. Samsung’s portrait processing is among the best, with good subject isolation (though still occasionally a miss on hair edges). The background blur is adjustable and looks fairly convincing. Outside of portraits, the 3× is handy for any time you need a bit of zoom without going all the way to 5×. It’s optically identical to S23/S24 Ultra’s 3× module.
• 50 MP Periscope Telephoto (5× Optical Zoom): This is the lens that differentiates the Ultra from its smaller siblings in terms of zoom power. Samsung changed their approach starting with S24 Ultra – instead of the 10× 10MP periscope in older Ultras, they now use a 50 MP sensor at 5× zoom (approx 115 mm focal length, f/3.4, OIS) ^[141]. The S25 Ultra retains this. The idea is that a high-resolution 50 MP sensor can crop in to achieve 10× digitally while still maintaining decent quality, potentially better than a low-res 10× optical. So effectively, the 5× periscope covers 5× and intermediate ranges, and Samsung’s AI super-resolution fills in up to 10× and beyond. How does it perform? At 5× optical (50 MP binned to 12 MP output), it’s excellent – plenty of detail, great for far-away subjects like buildings or wildlife at moderate distances. At 10×, which Samsung markets as part of the “quad tele” range, the phone combines data from the 50 MP sensor with AI upscaling. It’s surprisingly good – arguably on par with last year’s dedicated 10× lens in many situations ^{[142] [143]}. However, extreme zoom beyond 10× (say 20×, 30×, up to max 100×) is still digital and primarily a fun gimmick; 30× can yield usable pics of distant text or objects, but with visible artifacting. The Verge noted that the 5× is “just okay at 10x” despite Samsung’s claims it’s as good as the old 10x optical ^[144]. So there’s a bit of a trade-off: you lose the absolute sharpness a true 10× lens gave at extreme zoom, but you gain more versatility at 5× and better mid-range (5–9×) quality. For most users, that’s a good trade, since hand-holding a 10× lens is hard and the use cases for 100× are niche. Plus, a 50 MP sensor allows for things like 2× digital within the telephoto if needed and potentially better low-light performance than a tiny 10 MP module. It’s also worth noting the Ultra’s zoom system is very flexible: you tap 0.6 (ultrawide), 1×, 2×, 3×, 5× presets easily, and the viewfinder is smooth.
• Front Camera: Same 12 MP f/2.2 selfie as S25/S25+. No difference here. So Ultra doesn’t give you a better selfie cam (unlike some rivals that put autofocus only on Pro models – Samsung gives it to all). It’s a good selfie shooter as mentioned.

Camera Software & Features: All S25 models share Samsung’s robust camera app features: Night Mode available on all lenses (in Ultra’s case, even the telephotos can do some night mode shots, though quality varies), a Pro mode (including Expert RAW integration for those who want 50 MP RAW shots on Ultra’s main or 12 MP RAW from other lenses), Super Steady video (capped at 1080p, uses the ultrawide crop for action-cam-like stabilization), and lots of fun modes (Single Take, Dual Recording, etc.). The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces a “Quad Tele” feature in marketing – essentially meaning it offers four focal lengths with optical or AI-assisted optical quality: 2×, 3×, 5×, 10× ^[145]. It’s quite impressive to have that range. Merging info from multiple lenses and sensors, the Ultra tries to optimize each zoom step. Reviewers found the multi-zoom approach useful: you can quickly reframe from a normal shot to a 5× close-up without losing too much detail.

Another new backdrop is the ProVisual Engine with AI. The S25 series uses AI for “adaptive scene optimization and noise reduction” more than before ^[146]. This means the camera is getting smarter at recognizing scenes (landscape vs food vs pets) and adjusting settings, as well as leveraging AI to reduce noise especially in low-light by comparing multiple frames. Samsung also touts AI-powered zoom stabilization/optimization – e.g., when zooming at 30×, the phone helps stabilize the view and enhance details on things like Moon shots or distant text. These were present in previous models to some extent (the famous “Space Zoom” moon shots), but they continue to refine it.

Video capabilities are top-tier: all three phones can record up to 8K video at 30fps with HDR10+ supported ^[147]. This is noteworthy because even the base S25 gets 8K30, which previously might have been limited. The 8K quality is quite usable now (Samsung crops less into the sensor than in early 8K implementations, resulting in a fairly wide field of view and good stabilization). Most will use 4K60 or 4K120 for slow-mo (yes, 4K at 120fps on these phones for Ultra and maybe Plus, according to some spec sheets ^[148], which is great for smooth slow-motion). There’s also 1080p super slow-mo (960fps bursts). The Ultra being the “camera king” also supports video in a “Log format” (flat color profile) for enthusiasts to color-grade, and it’s likely part of the camera’s Pro mode ^[149].

Image Quality Impressions: In daylight, all models produce excellent shots. The Ultra has the edge in detail and dynamic range due to larger sensors and that new ISP. Reviewers like Allison Johnson at The Verge noted the Ultra’s photos “look very much like what I’ve come to expect from Samsung” – vibrant colors, reliable results – and the upgraded ultrawide does show more fine detail in tricky lighting (like dim indoor) compared to S24 Ultra ^{[150] [151]}. Portraits from any S25 are among the best on Android, with Samsung’s edge detection and bokeh looking very nice (if occasionally a bit too smooth on skin by default – you can disable beauty effects).

In low light, Samsung’s multi-frame Night Solution kicks in and all phones can brighten up dark scenes impressively. The Ultra again is best here – its large 200MP sensor and AI tuning yield cleaner night shots than the smaller models. But even the S25/S25+ do well: Tom’s Guide was impressed that the S25 Plus could make a completely dark scene look lit, though on pixel-peeping the iPhone 16 Pro Max sometimes held more definition in extremely low light ^{[152] [153]}. So Samsung’s tendency is to aggressively brighten and reduce noise, sometimes at the expense of fine detail texture.

Zoom comparisons: Against something like an iPhone 16 Pro (with 5× tele), the S25 Ultra’s 5× and 10× are competitive or better at 10×, but the S25+’s 3× obviously can’t match a 5× optical lens for distance. That’s why multiple reviewers suggested if camera is a priority, go for the Ultra. “If the cameras are high on your list, you’ll have to pony up and choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra,” says Tom’s Guide, noting the Plus “comes up short against the iPhone 16 Pro” due to lacking a 5× lens at the $999 price point ^[154]. The Ultra simply offers more flexibility and generally superior results in challenging scenarios.

Expert Opinions & Quotes on Cameras:

• Tom’s Guide (Mark Spoonauer) praised the Ultra’s new ultrawide, writing: “Sharper 50MP ultrawide… The key upgrade [on S25 Ultra] involves the ultrawide sensor, which gets a boost from 12MP on the S24 Ultra to 50MP. This means better detail in your shots, as well as the promise of sharper macro photos.” ^[155] He also lauded the cameras as “superb” in the S25 Ultra verdict ^[156].
• The Verge commented on consistency: “This camera loves its vibrant reds and blues, and portrait mode segmentation is still some of the best in the game,” referring to the S25 Ultra ^[157]. They did temper that by expressing a sentiment that the Ultra’s camera hardware hasn’t radically changed – “The S25 Ultra doesn’t offer much in the way of camera hardware changes” beyond the ultrawide boost ^[158] – but also that it remains one of the best camera phones available.
• In general, the S25 Ultra ranks among 2025’s top camera phones, easily. The S25 and S25+ are very good too, essentially matching last year’s S24 flagships, which were already excellent. However, in the fiercely competitive $800–$1000 range, some rivals (like Google’s Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro) might edge out the S25/S25+ in specific areas (e.g. Google’s computational photography or Apple’s telephoto capability). Samsung counters with versatility and its new AI features.

Before moving on, a word on AI photography: The Galaxy S25 series leans into AI for post-processing. Things like Best Shot, AI Stereo Depth (for portrait cutouts), and AI Zoom for cleaning up zoom shots are all at work. Samsung even has an “AI photo upscaler” tool in the Gallery if you want to enhance an old image. These aren’t always advertised, but they make the experience smoother (for instance, capturing multiple frames to ensure at least one non-blurry shot of a moving subject). None of the S25 cameras have variable aperture or any crazy new lens tech – it’s mostly iterative improvement and AI polish, which seems to be the industry trend in 2025.

Video Recording: deserves a quick mention – the S25 Ultra, in particular, is great for video. With 8K30, 4K120, and even HDR10+ recording, content creators have a powerful tool. Samsung also added a “360 Audio Recording” feature if you pair Galaxy Buds Pro – you can record binaural audio for immersive sound. All models have strong video stabilization (the Ultra’s larger sensor has slightly more natural bokeh and better low-light video). While iPhones still often get the nod for most consistent video autofocus and exposure, Samsung’s gap is very small now. And Samsung offers more modes (like the fun Director’s View or 8K options Apple lacks as of iPhone 16).

Overall, choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want the absolute best and most flexible camera system Samsung offers – you get higher resolution sensors (200MP, 50MP UW, etc.), a broader zoom range, and the S Pen can even be used as a tripod shutter (well, minus the Bluetooth remote now – but you can still click the button when the pen is inserted to trigger shutter). The S25+ and S25 will satisfy most casual photographers, delivering bright, vibrant photos that are social-media ready, and they still rank among the top smartphone cameras. Just understand that their zoom and ultrawide won’t capture quite the level of detail the Ultra can, and they lack the dedicated macro focus capability.

Software and One UI 7: AI Features & Updates

The Galaxy S25 series debuted with Android 15 running Samsung’s custom One UI 7.0 interface on top ^[159]. Samsung’s software experience is a significant part of these phones’ appeal (or detractor, depending on your tastes). With One UI 7, Samsung introduced a number of visual and functional changes, many of which revolve around integrating more AI capabilities and streamlining the user experience.

One UI 7.0 Highlights: Samsung’s One UI 7 takes some inspiration from iOS in a few design elements – for example, the new “Now Bar” on the lock screen is reminiscent of iPhone’s Live Activities/Dynamic Island, offering live-updating info at a glance (sports scores, delivery status, timers, etc.) in a widget-like format ^[160]. The notification shade is now split with the quick settings (swipe from top right for quick toggles like on iPhone, a change that surprised long-time Galaxy users ^[161]). It’s a significant facelift, but largely intuitive once you adjust. Samsung kept the ethos of One UI – big headers, easy one-handed reach in stock apps – while freshening up the visuals and adding new animations.

Galaxy AI Suite: The marquee feature in software is Samsung’s expanded Galaxy AI. Last year (with the S24) they laid groundwork, but this year they doubled down. One UI 7 on S25 phones integrates Google’s Gemini AI assistant deeply into the system. In fact, by default, long-pressing the power (wake) button now summons Google Gemini (the next-gen Google Assistant with generative AI), rather than Samsung’s own Bixby ^{[162] [163]}. Bixby still exists (and can handle some offline or device-specific commands), but Samsung wisely let Google’s more powerful AI take the driver’s seat for general queries and cross-app tasks. “RIP, Bixby,” quipped The Verge ^[164] – a humorous take on Samsung finally easing back on forcing Bixby in favor of the more popular Google AI.

The S25 series can do some truly impressive AI tricks thanks to this integration and the phone’s processing power. A standout is Cross-App Actions: you can issue a single voice command that triggers a sequence across multiple apps. For example, “Look up the date of the Oscars, add it to my calendar, and text it to Mike” – a demo exactly like what Tom’s Guide tried on the S25 Ultra ^{[165] [166]}. The phone fetched the info, created a calendar event, then sent off a text with the details, all via Google Gemini’s understanding of the command. This is something that feels a bit like magic – it shows how far voice assistants have come, leveraging on-device AI plus online info. Mark Spoonauer of Tom’s Guide wrote, “With Google Gemini now deeply integrated… you can accomplish multiple things at once using just your voice,” calling cross-app actions “very impressive” ^{[167] [168]}. However, both he and The Verge’s Allison Johnson note that it’s not yet 100% reliable. Sometimes the AI would falter – e.g., not adding hyperlinks when asked, or generating slightly incorrect info (the Gemini assistant made up a flight detail in a test) ^{[169] [170]}. So while promising, it’s “not consistent enough to rely on yet” for everything ^[171]. Still, it’s early days, and these phones will likely improve as the AI models update.

Another new feature is Now Brief: a personalized morning (or evening) briefing that appears in Samsung’s new feed. It shows weather, schedule, news, health data summary, etc. ^[172]. It’s part of Samsung’s attempt at proactive info (like Google’s old “At a Glance” on steroids). This got mixed reviews – some found it a bit sparse or not very “smart” yet, occasionally surfacing unwanted news headlines by default ^{[173] [174]}. You can customize it a bit (turn off certain news or categories). It’s conceptually nice – having your phone give you a digest – but in its first iteration, reviewers were underwhelmed: “Now Brief feature underwhelms,” Tom’s Guide listed as a con ^[175].

AI Select and Circle to Search: These are expansion of features. Circle to Search (long-press home button and draw a circle around content) now recognizes not just text but also emails, phone numbers, and even can identify music playing in a video ^[176]. It’s like a smart selection that can perform context actions (similar to Google Lens). AI Select is another tool where you can tap an on-screen item/text and get suggestions – e.g., quickly convert part of a YouTube video into a GIF with a couple taps ^[177]. Samsung is leveraging on-screen content analysis for convenience.

Personal Data Engine & Routines: Samsung introduced a Personal Data Engine (PDE) which is basically an on-device model that learns your usage patterns to personalize things like routines, suggestions, etc. ^[178]. In S25, PDE underpins features like Now Brief and new smart suggestions. Samsung says it keeps this data on-device for privacy. As John Velasco at Tom’s Guide notes, it’s not fully utilized yet – it doesn’t auto-create custom modes or routines, which would’ve been cool (imagine it learns you go to the gym every day at 6, and auto-creates a “gym mode” for you). For now, you still manually set up Modes & Routines, but PDE might help populate suggestions.

Other One UI 7 improvements: There’s an improved split-screen multitasking gesture (swipe up with two fingers to quickly split screen), enhanced Edge Panel for launching apps in windows, and the general polish like new app folder designs, etc. ^{[179] [180]}. Samsung also implemented Call Transcript, which can transcribe phone calls in real time and summarize them – a godsend for business or remembering doctor instructions ^{[181] [182]}. This uses on-device AI and is really handy (similar to Google’s Call Screen transcripts but for any call). An Audio Eraser feature can remove background noise from any video, post-processing it with AI – and it apparently outperforms Apple/Google’s solutions in some tests, making noisy videos sound like they had a dedicated mic ^{[183] [184]}.

Software Update Commitment: Perhaps one of the most important aspects: Samsung promises 7 years of OS updates and security patches for the S25 series ^[185]. This is a huge leap – until recently Samsung offered 4 OS upgrades / 5 years security on its flagships. With S25, they’re essentially matching or slightly beating Google (Pixel 8 series also promised 7 years updates). What this means is an S25 on Android 15 will theoretically get updates up through Android 22 (if Google still calls it that far out) and security fixes into 2032. It’s an industry-leading policy (only Fairphone and some enterprise iPhones get that long normally). This gives buyers peace of mind that their phone will remain supported and safe to use for a very long time – possibly outlasting your interest in it. Samsung even said that many of these new AI features will likely roll out to older models in time ^[186], but S25 owners have them first and will keep getting new features for years. As The Verge noted, it’s nice that older phones get new features, “but it also makes it very hard to see what sets the S25 Ultra apart” since AI features aren’t unique forever ^[187]. Still, long support is a net win for consumers.

General UX and Third-Party Apps: One UI 7 is still a highly customizable and feature-rich skin. You get Samsung’s suite (Samsung Pay, Internet, Health, etc.) but you can also of course use Google’s apps or others. By default, Google Messages is now the main SMS/RCS app (Samsung adopted that a while back). Samsung’s keyboard and Samsung Free feed co-exist with Google’s, giving you choice. The phones do come with some pre-loaded apps (some carrier bloat if bought from carriers, or suggestions for apps during setup), but less intrusive than in the past.

Privacy and Agreements: The Verge’s review included an interesting bit about how many agreements you have to accept (Samsung account, Google account, etc.) – like any modern phone, there are several opt-ins ^{[188] [189]}. But it’s not unique to Samsung; they just highlighted that as a thing.

What Reviewers Say About Software:

• The Verge: They liked One UI 7’s added convenience but also pointed out the AI’s shortcomings. Quote: “These AI features — which occupied most of Samsung’s Unpacked presentation — will very likely come to previous Galaxy phones later this year… it makes it hard to see what sets the S25 Ultra apart… There’s a strong possibility Samsung will start charging for these features at end of 2025; fine print only guarantees they’ll be free through 2025” ^[190]. Yes, interestingly Samsung hinted the advanced Galaxy AI features might become subscription-based in the future (similar to how some of Google’s Pixel features might). For now, they’re free.
• Tom’s Guide: In the base S25 review, they said “Samsung’s artificial intelligence tools… do a good job of adding structure to chaotic notes… [but] lots of it is still too unpredictable to rely on. The list of reasons to upgrade to an S25 aside from needing a new phone is awfully thin.” ^{[191] [192]}. That indicates that while the AI is cool, it’s not yet a killer app to justify an upgrade if you have a recent phone.
• They also mention Samsung made Google’s AI the default which is a notable strategic move. And practically, having Gemini built-in means you can do things like ask about an image on screen or a video you’re watching (e.g., “summarize the top 5 AI features announced at Unpacked” while watching the keynote video – and the phone will analyze the video and list them ^[193]). That’s pretty futuristic, turning the phone into an “agentic AI” that can interpret real content on your device.

In summary, the S25 series software is characterized by advanced AI integration and long-term support. For everyday usage, these phones are as feature-packed as it gets: always-on display, themes, Samsung DeX for desktop experience (yes, all S25 phones support DeX, wired or wireless, so you can connect to a monitor/TV and use a desktop-like interface), and so on. If anything, One UI can feel overwhelming with options, but it’s smooth and you can tailor it to your liking.

One caution: with great power (in AI) comes some quirks. As The Verge humorously put it after an AI mishap, “It makes you think twice about relying on AI for anything but the lowest of low-stakes tasks!” ^[194]. So while your S25 can do a lot, you still might double-check that it added the right ingredients to your shopping list or the correct flight info to your calendar when commanded.

Overall though, this software experience positions the S25 series well against competitors like Pixel (with its own AI features) and iPhone (with iOS 17/18 improvements). And Samsung’s focus on AI and long updates suggests these phones will get even more features over time, potentially including things we haven’t imagined yet by, say, Android 18.

Battery Life, Charging Speed & Thermal Management

We touched on battery specs earlier: the S25 has a 4,000 mAh battery, S25+ 4,900 mAh, and S25 Ultra 5,000 mAh ^[195]. These capacities are very similar to the S24 series (S24 had 3900, S24+ 4900, S24 Ultra 5000). So Samsung didn’t increase battery sizes much – instead they relied on the more efficient 3nm chipset and software tweaks to extend battery life. And it worked: all signs indicate the S25 lineup enjoys better battery life than last year’s models and holds up well against the competition.

Battery Life in Practice:

• Galaxy S25 (4,000 mAh): Don’t let the smallest battery worry you too much – the combination of a smaller 6.2″ 1080p screen and the efficient chip means the S25 can easily last a full day for moderate usage. Tom’s Guide’s standardized battery test (continuous web surfing on cellular at 150 nits screen brightness) recorded 15 hours 43 minutes on the S25 ^[196]. That’s an impressive result, actually beating many larger phones (for context, Pixel 9 was likely around 14h, and older S23 maybe ~13h). In The Verge’s real-world usage, the reviewer got through a day of moderate use with some to spare on the small S25 – “the S25’s 4,000mAh got me through a full day of moderate use,” they wrote ^[197]. Of course, if you stress it with gaming or navigation, it will drain faster, but overall, the base S25 is no slouch in endurance.
• Galaxy S25+ (4,900 mAh): With nearly 5,000 mAh and only a slightly larger body, the S25+ is a battery champ. Tom’s Guide measured 16h 55m in adaptive 120Hz mode, and a whopping 18h 46m locked at 60Hz ^[198]. Those numbers are extremely high – anything above ~15-16 hours in that test is top-tier (for context, the longest-lasting phones like Asus ROG or mid-range phones with 6000mAh can hit 18-20h). At ~17h, the S25+ is better than its predecessor (~16h) and ahead of most 2024 flagship phones. Samsung “technically improved” it over S24+, though some expected more given the efficiency gains ^[199]. Still, it’s among the best. Importantly, Tom’s Guide notes that gives the S25+ “a huge edge over rival phones like the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro”, which scored lower in their tests ^[200]. So for its class, S25+ battery life is a strong selling point.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra (5,000 mAh): The Ultra has the largest battery but also the largest, highest-res screen and more features possibly drawing power. Yet it still achieved excellent results: around 17h 14m in Tom’s Guide test ^[201]. They noted it’s about 30 min better than S24 Ultra, though ~20 min shy of the iPhone 16 Pro Max (which has a slightly larger ~5000+ mAh equivalent and Apple’s optimizations) ^[202]. In The Verge’s anecdotal use, they said “Battery life is about par for a flagship in 2025. I usually got through an average day with ~60% left over. Good, but not amazing.” ^[203]. Ending the day with 60% is actually fantastic, so possibly that was a lighter usage scenario. Tom’s Guide labeled Ultra’s battery “super long” and in fact their unit got 17h 15m, which they called “the longest-lasting Samsung phone we’ve tested to date” ^[204]. That’s a big achievement, considering past Galaxy Ultras often trailed iPhones. It suggests Samsung’s power management and the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s efficiency paid off.

In everyday terms, all three S25 phones are all-day devices with room to spare. The S25 can get a day, maybe into the morning of day 2 if you’re a light user. The S25+ and Ultra can definitely do 1.5 to 2 days on a charge for moderate users. Heavy users (screen-on 7-8 hours a day) might still need nightly charging, but won’t worry about scrambling for an outlet by dinner.

Features like adaptive refresh rate help: the LTPO screens on S25+ and Ultra drop to 1Hz when static, saving a lot of power when you’re just reading or on Always-On-Display. The base S25 likely doesn’t have the full 1Hz LTPO (some sources suggest it might, but often base models don’t do 1Hz, yet Wikipedia indicates it does have LTPO too ^[205] – if true, that’s even better). Regardless, Samsung has refined its software to manage background tasks, etc. There’s also battery protection features like adaptive battery and the ability to limit charge to 85% to extend lifespan if you want.

Charging Speeds:

Wired charging splits into two tiers:

• Galaxy S25 (and S25 Edge): max 25 W wired charging.
• Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra: max 45 W wired charging.

These are the same rates Samsung’s used for a few years. While not as extreme as some Chinese brands (we see 100W+ in other phones), 45W is decently fast. The key is Samsung’s implementation: it uses PPS (Programmable Power Supply) with variable voltage. In tests, the S25 Ultra hits about 65% in 30 minutes with a proper 45W adapter ^[206]. A full 0–100% takes roughly 59–60 minutes. That’s identical to S23/S24 Ultra which also did ~1 hour full, because Samsung actually caps the charging at around 30W sustained after initial boost to preserve battery health. So you won’t get a full 45W continuously, but it shaves a few minutes off the 25W phones.

The S25 and S25 Edge with 25W will charge 0–50% in about 30 minutes ^[207] (Samsung said ~50% in 30 for 25W). Full charge ~70-80 minutes. These are not mind-blowing, but Samsung prioritizes longevity over super fast charging. Also, keep in mind they don’t include a charger in the box – so you need to use a compatible USB PD PPS charger to reach those speeds. If you use an older QC2.0 or non-PPS charger, it’ll default to 15W or so.

Wireless Charging: All support Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 up to 15W. New is the Qi2 standard – essentially an updated Qi that allows magnetic alignment (like MagSafe) and potentially up to 15W universally. However, as noted, Samsung’s phones themselves do not have magnets built-in for alignment ^[208]. Instead, if you want perfect alignment (to avoid the phone sliding on a charger or to use magnetic car mounts), you can buy a special case with a magnet ring. This was a bit of a compromise – likely to keep thickness down or avoid interfering with other components, Samsung skipped the magnet ring inside the device. Tom’s Guide listed this as a con: “No Qi2 magnets built in” ^[209]. So out of the box, the S25 series will still charge on any Qi or Qi2 pad at up to 15W, but if the charger relies on magnets (like an Apple MagSafe puck does), the phone won’t snap on without a case adapter. Minor inconvenience, but worth noting if you have magnetic accessories.

Reverse Wireless Charging: aka Wireless PowerShare, up to 4.5W. It’s handy for charging earbuds or a watch on the back of the phone. All S25 models have it. It’s slow, but in a pinch it works.

Battery Life Software Features: Samsung offers various modes: Adaptive Battery, power saving modes, “Performance profile” where you can choose between Standard or Light mode (Light mode throttles performance slightly to extend battery – could be useful if you want even more battery and don’t need full horsepower). Also, sleep/standby optimizations keep idle drain low. The S25 Ultra is Qi2-ready, which we discussed.

Thermal & Charging Heat: Thanks to the efficient chip, the phones don’t get too hot during normal charging. 45W PPS can warm the Ultra up, but it’s intelligently managed. And with larger vapor chambers, even when charging and using GPS in a car (a scenario that can overheat some phones), the S25 series copes well.

Expert Comments on Battery:
Tom’s Guide was very positive: “Superb endurance with over 17 hours on a charge… it’s not the longest lasting phone ever, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra clocked in at 17h15m, making it the longest-lasting Samsung phone we’ve tested to date” ^{[210] [211]}. They also note 30 minutes gets you to 70% on the Plus, which is pretty good ^[212]. The Verge called battery life “fine” but expected maybe more given size – that might be just that they hold Apple’s efficiency in high regard (the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasted ~17h34m in the same test, just slightly more than Ultra). Regardless, users should be happy – complaints about battery on these models will be few and far between. Even the thinnest model, S25 Edge with 3900mAh, was the only one with “just okay” battery (it got ~12.5h test, a bit lower due to its slimness) ^[213], but that’s outside our main three comparison.

In conclusion, battery life is a strong suit of the S25 series. The Plus model in particular hits a sweet spot of very large battery and not too power-hungry display, giving it slightly better longevity than the Ultra which has to drive that 6.9″ screen. The base S25, while smaller, still impresses given its size. None of the S25 phones require midday charging under normal use. And when you do need to top up, the 45W option on Plus/Ultra is decently quick – though not industry-leading, it’s a fair trade-off for battery health. For example, Samsung claims their charging algorithms minimize time spent at 100%, etc., to reduce cell degradation (and indeed they offer an option to cap charge at 85% if you keep it plugged often).

If you’re comparing across brands: some Chinese flagships might fill in 30 minutes or less with 100W, but often those have shorter software support and unknown long-term battery health. Samsung’s approach is more conservative but proven. And when an Ultra can last nearly as long as an iPhone Pro Max, that’s a notable achievement (since Apple’s chips are usually more efficient). This means you’re not sacrificing endurance by choosing Android here – Samsung has caught up.

Connectivity, Network Features & Special Hardware

Beyond the core specs, the Galaxy S25 series brings a slew of connectivity features and special hardware perks that enhance the user experience. We’ve mentioned some (5G, Wi-Fi7, UWB, satellite, S Pen), but let’s compile and detail these:

• 5G Connectivity: All S25 models support comprehensive 5G. They can connect to sub-6 GHz 5G networks worldwide and, in regions like the US, support mmWave 5G on carrier-specific variants. The integrated Snapdragon X80 modem offers blazing speeds and better power efficiency. Real-world, this means if you’re in a good 5G area, you’ll get fast downloads/streams. If not, the phone seamlessly falls back to 4G LTE. With dual SIM support, you could have two 5G lines (except in the US model which is single physical SIM + eSIM). There is also support for the latest eSIM standards: in international models you get dual nano-SIM + eSIM standby ^[214], in the U.S. you get one nano-SIM plus dual eSIMs (so you can have multiple eSIM profiles, use two lines at once), and in China you get dual nano-SIM (no eSIM, per local preference) ^[215]. So very flexible for travelers or those with multiple lines.
• Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4: These are forward-looking features. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is supported, meaning the phones can take advantage of the next-gen routers with extremely high throughput and lower latency (great for streaming, AR/VR, etc.). It’s backwards compatible of course with Wi-Fi 6E/6/5, etc. Bluetooth 5.4 is a minor bump from 5.3, mainly ensuring better support for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio and future devices like Bluetooth LE Audio earbuds (Auracast broadcasting etc.). It’s fully backward compatible with all BT accessories. All S25 phones support the standard array of codecs (Samsung Seamless for Buds, LDAC, aptX, etc., plus the new LC3 codec for LE Audio).
• Ultra-Wideband (UWB): Not available on the base S25, but present on S25+ and S25 Ultra (and S25 Edge) ^[216]. UWB is a radio technology for spatial awareness – it can precisely locate other UWB devices. Samsung uses it for things like Digital Car Keys (unlocking luxury cars by just being near, with fine range detection) and improved SmartThings Find (like Apple’s Precision Finding for AirTags). They also have a new product, the Galaxy SmartTag2 (UWB version), that the Ultra/Plus can track at close range with augmented reality arrows thanks to UWB. It’s a niche feature but a nice one for those in the ecosystem. The omission on the standard S25 is likely to cut cost – historically only plus/ultra had UWB since S21 generation.
• GPS & Other Sensors: All models have a full complement of sensors: multi-band GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou for navigation (very accurate positioning), NFC for payments (Samsung Pay/Google Pay), and the usual accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, ambient light, proximity, etc. ^[217]. Nothing missing here. They also keep the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the display (fast and secure), and support face unlock via the selfie cam (less secure, but convenient).
• Satellite Communication: A headline of late 2024/2025 phones – and Samsung included it, albeit in a limited fashion. The S25 series hardware can connect to satellites for emergency use, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite tech (which uses the Iridium satellite network via a partner). However, Samsung didn’t roll out a global service themselves. Instead, as mentioned, it’s reliant on carriers. At launch, Verizon in the US (and partners in Canada) enabled satellite SOS for S25 users via the Skylo middleware ^[218]. Essentially, if you’re a Verizon customer with an S25 and you have no cell signal, the phone can prompt you to connect to a satellite (with a pointing interface guiding you where to aim the phone at the sky) and send an emergency text, share your GPS location, and communicate with responders ^{[219] [220]}. This works similarly to iPhone’s Emergency SOS: it asks what emergency, relays to a response center (Garmin Response in this case) ^[221]. It’s an awesome life-saving feature if you’re camping or in an area with no coverage. The catch is, outside of Verizon (or without any supported carrier), the phones currently do not have a usable satellite feature ^{[222] [223]}. Samsung didn’t partner directly with Skylo/Iridium like Google and Apple did for their devices; they left it to carriers. So, for example, in Europe or on other US carriers, at launch you have no satellite capability (until perhaps those carriers strike a deal). This led Tom’s Guide to say “it supports satellite connectivity, but there’s a catch” – the catch being it’s only active if your carrier supports it ^[224]. In any case, the hardware is there, and likely support will expand (maybe T-Mobile/Starlink will come into play down the road, etc.). Worth noting: these are for emergency use, not casual satellite texting to friends (that might come in future once services allow two-way non-emergency messaging for a fee – Skylo hinted at working on SMS and even voice via satellite eventually ^[225]).
• Special Audio Features: The S25 series have stereo speakers (earpiece + bottom speaker), tuned by AKG, with Dolby Atmos support ^[226]. They sound loud and clear, pretty similar to S23/S24 series which were very good. There’s no 3.5mm jack (hasn’t been for years), so you’d use USB-C or wireless for audio. Samsung supports 24-bit Hi-Fi audio output via USB-C and Bluetooth codecs like LDAC for hi-res wireless if that matters to audiophiles. They also have new Bluetooth LE Audio support for things like broadcasting audio to multiple devices or Auracast.
• S Pen (Ultra only): We’ve discussed the S Pen in design, but to reiterate: it’s a built-in stylus with 4096 pressure levels, very low latency (~2.8ms), perfect for notes, drawing, and navigating. The removal of Bluetooth means it can’t do the remote camera shutter or motion gestures (like swiping in the air to change slides or songs) ^{[227] [228]}. But the core pen experience remains excellent and identical to previous Note/Ultra devices for inking. Air Command features (hover to preview, translate text by hovering, screen write, etc.) all still work. For anyone who likes writing on their phone, the Ultra stands alone – no S25+ or S25 offers pen input (and those don’t support it even if you bought an S Pen separately, since there’s no digitizer layer on their screens).
• Samsung DeX: Yes, all the S25 series support DeX – both wired (via USB-C to HDMI) and wireless (Miracast to supported displays/TVs). This allows a desktop-like interface, great for productivity. Pair a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse and you can basically use the phone as a mini computer. With the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite, DeX runs very smoothly on these devices.
• Other Hardware: The S25 Ultra, being premium, also boasts things like Wi-Fi 7 “7× antenna system” that Samsung sometimes markets (basically meaning improved MIMO). The phones support USB 3.2 Gen 1 data transfer over the USB-C (meaning up to 5 Gbps, good for using the phone as external storage or for DeX video output). There’s no IR blaster or FM radio – those are rare in flagships now.
• Security: They have Samsung Knox security suite, secure folder, Knox Vault hardware (separate secure enclave for crypto keys, etc.), and face unlock as mentioned (2D only via camera). Knox Vault ensures things like your fingerprints and passwords are stored separately and securely. Samsung also introduced Passkeys support and improved credential management in One UI 7, aligning with Android 15’s new features.
• Build/Materials Recap: A special note – the S25 Ultra’s frame is titanium, and the S25+/S25 are aluminum. All are durable but titanium gives a slightly lighter and more rigid build for Ultra. Samsung also used more recycled materials than before (e.g., recycled glass, plastics in speaker modules, etc.), which is commendable.

In summary, connectivity and extras are a strong suit for Samsung’s flagships. You’re getting the latest standards to future-proof the device (Wi-Fi7, UWB, etc.), and unique features like S Pen (Ultra) and DeX that competitors often lack. The satellite SOS inclusion – while limited at first – means if you have an S25 and you’re with the right carrier, it could be a lifesaver in an emergency where you’d otherwise have zero signal. That aligns with a trend of phones becoming essential safety devices.

One missing feature some enthusiasts mention: Samsung did not reintroduce a removable battery or microSD slot – but those are likely gone for good in this category. Instead, they focus on longevity via updates and large fixed storage options.

Price, Value and Release Details

The Galaxy S25 series sits at typical flagship pricing, but Samsung usually has aggressive trade-ins and deals. Here’s the pricing breakdown and value proposition for each:

• Galaxy S25 (MSRP $799.99) – for the 128 GB base model in the US ^[229]. 256 GB costs a bit more (around $849–$899 depending on region). In Europe it’s around €899 for base, £849 in UK. This price is unchanged from last year’s S24 (which was $799 for 128GB). Given that you now get 12GB RAM standard and all the upgrades, it’s a solid deal. Samsung clearly wanted to keep an attractive entry price for the small flagship. The S25 undercuts the iPhone 15/16 (which start at $799 but only 128GB and less RAM, though iPhones manage with less). Versus something like Pixel 9 (if priced around $699–$799), the S25 might be a tad higher but offers more premium build (Pixel 9 doesn’t have telephoto, etc.). So $799 is fair for what you get.
• Galaxy S25+ (MSRP $999.99) – for 256 GB model ^[230]. No 128GB option, so you automatically get more storage (nice). It’s $200 more than the base S25. What do you get for $200? A larger 6.7″ QHD screen, bigger battery (+900 mAh), UWB support, and physically bigger device (which some may simply prefer for screen size). Internally it’s the same chip and cameras. Tom’s Guide called the S25+ “no man’s land” because at $999 it sits awkwardly – only $300 less than the Ultra which is more feature-rich, and $200 more than the S25 which offers almost everything except size/storage ^[231]. They pointed out “the only difference [from S25] is larger display and double storage… cameras identical… disappointed battery life isn’t longer given much larger capacity” ^[232] (though the battery life was indeed longer, just not dramatically so). Moreover, $999 pits it against the iPhone 16 Pro (also $999) which has arguably a better camera (with 5x zoom) ^[233]. So the S25+ must justify itself to buyers who want a big screen but don’t need the Ultra’s bells and whistles. For many, the $999 price is easier to swallow than $1299, and you still get an excellent phone. But it’s true that value-wise, the S25+ is the least distinct: if you can stretch to $1299, the Ultra gives you more; if you want to save $200, the S25 gives you almost the same experience in a smaller form. Thus, the Plus is mainly for those who want that large 6.7″ screen and can live without the Ultra’s camera and S Pen.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra (MSRP $1,299.99) – for 256 GB ^[234]. 512 GB is $1,419, and 1 TB is $1,659 (in the US). In the UK, £1,249 for base Ultra. These prices also held from last year, though the rumor was Samsung might have increased them – they didn’t, likely due to market pressure. $1,299 is undeniably expensive; it’s among the priciest non-foldable phones (only things like Sony Xperia Pro or special editions cost more). The Ultra competes directly with the iPhone 15/16 Pro Max (around $1,199 for 256GB model) and Pixel 9 Pro (which is cheaper ~$999 fully specced). Is it worth it? If you want the top camera and S Pen, plus that gorgeous 6.9″ display, arguably yes for enthusiasts. As The Verge put it, “at $1,299, this is one of the most expensive phones you can buy that doesn’t fold. It’s a damn good phone. But at that price, it’s fair to ask for just a little more.” ^[235]. They felt Samsung removed some “special” aspects (like 10x lens, S Pen features) without adding new whiz-bang features, so the Ultra’s value proposition is mostly iterative improvement. Nonetheless, they also stated “The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains one of the best phones you can buy… [but] it feels a little less special than the S24 Ultra did” ^{[236] [237]}. So the Ultra is somewhat a victim of Samsung’s own past success – it’s excellent, but expectations at $1300 are sky high.

Samsung usually sweetens the pot with promos: for example, during pre-order, many got a free upgrade to 512GB (so $1,299 got you 512GB) ^[238], or credits for accessories. Samsung also has great trade-in deals – often giving $700+ credit for a one-generation older trade, etc. That means a lot of buyers never pay full sticker price. Carriers too offered deals (like “free” S25 with a trade-in and contract). So, effectively, the street price can be much lower if you navigate promotions.

Release Availability: The phones launched on Feb 7, 2025 globally ^[239]. They are widely available through Samsung’s website, carriers, and retailers like Best Buy, Amazon. Colors differ by retailer sometimes – Samsung’s site often has exclusive colors (as noted: Pink Gold, Coral Red for S25; Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Pink Gold for Ultra online-only) ^{[240] [241]}. So if you want a unique color, you might have to order from Samsung.com. Standard colors like black, icy blue, etc., are at carriers and stores.

In some regions, the S25 series might be manufactured locally (Samsung ramped production in places like India, Vietnam, even starting manufacturing in Egypt for local markets ^[242]). But that doesn’t affect consumers beyond possibly easier availability.

Value vs Competition: Summing up value: the base S25 at $799 is a strong contender among “compact” flagships – undercutting or matching competitors with the bonus of long support and great performance. The S25+ at $999 faces tough competition from iPhone Pro and Pixel Pro – its advantage is a bigger screen than Pixel and more features (Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t have UWB or long updates, for instance), but Pixel’s camera computational prowess is a rival. The Ultra at $1299 goes head-to-head with iPhone Pro Max (around $1299 similarly configured) and perhaps some foldables for those with that budget. Ultra offers versatility (S Pen, zoom, etc.) that iPhone lacks, while iPhone offers its ecosystem advantages. It comes down to preference; both are superb.

Reviewer Verdicts on Value:

• The Verge (for S25 & S25+): “Maybe we’ve reached peak phone… The S25 series is incredibly iterative. But if you’re coming from an S21 and just want something familiar that works, the S25 or S25+ will do the job.” ^{[243] [244]}. They highlight that if you need a new phone, these are great, but if you have a recent model, the reasons to upgrade are slim aside from AI (which will trickle down) or needing better battery.
• Tom’s Guide (S25+): “It’s one of the smartest and most feature-packed phones you’ll find. However, it’s in no man’s land because of its price… at the same price as iPhone 16 Pro, [which] has a better camera… The saving grace is the new batch of Galaxy AI features.” ^{[245] [246]}. So they felt S25+ is a tough sell against iPhone unless the AI features sway you or you simply prefer Android/One UI.
• Tom’s Guide (Ultra): was very positive, calling it possibly the best phone. They did note the “yikes-inducing” $1,299 price, but since it didn’t go up from last year, it’s expected ^[247]. And their verdict essentially said it convinced an iPhone user to consider switching because it’s that good overall ^{[248] [249]}.

So, to prospective buyers reading this comparison: if budget is tight, the Galaxy S25 (standard) gives you 90% of the series’ goodness – same performance, solid cameras, great screen (just smaller), for a relative bargain price. The Galaxy S25+ is for those who want a big display and extra battery, but don’t need the pen or the ultimate camera; it’s an excellent phone but faces stiff competition. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the no-compromise option – you pay a premium, but you get a premium device with unique capabilities (like the S Pen, top-of-line cameras, maximum storage, etc.). It’s the choice for enthusiasts, productivity users, or anyone who wants the absolute best Samsung has to offer in a traditional phone.

Expert Opinions & Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series hasn’t shaken up the formula dramatically, but it refines it to a polish. As one reviewer said, we might be at “peak phone” – iterative upgrades each year – yet that still yields some of the best smartphones on the market. Here’s a quick summary of what experts are saying, in their own words:

• Performance & Experience: “The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains one of the best phones you can buy. The screen is excellent, the cameras are some of the best in the game, and you’ll have a hard time finding any workload tough enough to challenge it.” ^[250] – The Verge. This underscores that each Ultra generational upgrade keeps it at the top of the pack, even if the “wow” factor has lessened over time. Tom’s Guide goes even further for the Ultra: “Overall the performance, battery life and AI smarts on the Galaxy S25 Ultra add up to the best Android phone I’ve tested and possibly the best phone period.” ^[251] Such high praise indicates Samsung’s balanced approach (combining hardware and software prowess) paid off in delivering a well-rounded champion.
• Iterative Nature: Not all comments are glowing without caveat. The Verge’s review of the smaller models noted, “I couldn’t give you a good reason why the S25 stands out compared to Samsung’s last three generations… the list of reasons to upgrade is awfully thin.” ^{[252] [253]} They pointed out that many of the S25’s hyped software features will land on older models, so if you’re using an S22 or S23, you might not feel left behind. In other words, the S25 series is more evolutionary than revolutionary – which isn’t necessarily bad, it’s just the reality of a mature smartphone market.
• AI Features Reaction: There’s excitement but also skepticism. Tom’s Guide was impressed by cross-app voice commands, showing friends how you can “do three things with one voice command” as a party trick ^[254]. But The Verge experienced the AI making mistakes and cautioned that it’s not magical reliability yet ^[255]. They also humorously said “AI makes sh up a lot” when it hallucinated a recipe ^[256]. So, Samsung’s big focus – Galaxy AI – is seen as promising but not a game-changer today. It’s something that will evolve, and importantly, the S25 series has the chops to run that evolution (and 7 years of updates to get them).
• Camera Opinions: We’ve covered these in detail. The Ultra’s camera is widely praised for versatility; e.g., “It used to come with a 10x telephoto… now a 5x – some changes have been for the better… For now, the S25 Ultra still feels like something special.” ^[257] – The Verge, acknowledging the slight downgrade in zoom but overall still special. For the base/plus, The Verge said it’s basically the same as S24 – “It doesn’t have the upgraded ultrawide in the S25 Ultra, but that’s not a huge loss.” ^[258] They did mention a focusing quirk but overall found it “damn good” for portrait mode and Samsung’s typical vibrant shots ^[259].
• Design & Ergonomics: The rounding of Ultra’s corners and flattening of edges got positive nods: “The S25 Ultra is less Note-like, but it’s also less painful to hold… subtle changes, net positive – I’d rather have a comfortable phone than a unique-looking one that digs into my palm.” ^{[260] [261]} – The Verge. That sums up Samsung’s choice to unify the design language. Most appreciate it, even if a few miss the bold Note aesthetic.
• Battery & Charging: Comments here were mainly numerical praise, as we integrated. Tom’s calling Ultra the longest-lasting Samsung phone ever tested ^[262] is a big compliment given Samsung’s past flagships often lagged a bit behind Apple in endurance. Now they’re neck and neck or even ahead in some cases (the S25+ beating most competitors). The only ding was from power users maybe wishing for faster charging, but 45W is accepted by most – no one explicitly criticized it in the major reviews, aside from noting the Qi2 magnet situation.

Final Thoughts: The Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra collectively continue Samsung’s legacy of delivering premium Android experiences in different sizes. Each phone has its niche:

• Galaxy S25: For those who want a compact device without sacrificing flagship power. It’s a “victory by default” as the best small Android phone simply because almost no one else is making them ^[263]. It’s iterative, but polished.
• Galaxy S25+: For big-screen lovers who don’t necessarily need a stylus or quad cameras. It’s arguably the hardest to justify purely on paper, but in practice it offers a sweet spot of maximum screen and battery in a slightly cheaper package than the Ultra. As TechRadar put it, “so good, you don’t need to go Ultra” (citing a headline) – meaning it’s already overkill for many users if they don’t care about the Ultra extras ^[264].
• Galaxy S25 Ultra: The no-holds-barred flagship – aimed at enthusiasts, professionals, and Galaxy Note loyalists. It smooths out the “sharp edges” of before ^[265], adds new AI tricks, and remains a top recommendation. Yet there’s a sense Samsung played it safe; next year’s S26 might need a bigger leap (perhaps new form factors or such) to wow people. But for 2025, the S25 Ultra is about refinement and maximizing what’s possible with current tech.

To quote The Verge’s closing thought on the Ultra: “For now, the S25 Ultra still feels like something special. But if the trend continues, then the Ultra could become just another big phone.” ^[266]. Thankfully in 2025, it’s still special enough – thanks to that S Pen, the insane screen, and Samsung’s commitment to features. And Tom’s Guide’s enthusiastic take, “the closest Samsung has come to convincing me to ditch my iPhone” ^[267], speaks volumes about how well-rounded the S25 Ultra is.

Bottom Line: If you’re choosing between these three in late 2025, consider your priorities:

• Want one-hand-friendly and cheaper? Galaxy S25 is ideal.
• Want large display and big battery but save a bit vs Ultra? Galaxy S25+ is your pick, just know you’re essentially paying for size/storage.
• Want the absolute best with no compromises (and don’t mind the price)? Galaxy S25 Ultra will deliver on nearly every front.

No matter which you choose, you’re getting a cutting-edge device with years of support, top-tier performance, and the latest Samsung has to offer. The differences lie in how much extra: extra screen, extra camera capability, extra features – and of course, extra cost. Hopefully this comparison has made those differences clear and helped identify which Galaxy S25 model aligns with your needs and budget.

Sources: The information in this report was gathered from official Samsung specifications and press materials, as well as reviews and test results from reputable tech media, including Tom’s Guide, The Verge, Android Authority, and others, to ensure accuracy and provide real-world context and expert opinions ^{[268] [269] [270] [271]}.

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